June 29, 2020
After thorough consideration and consultation with our Board of Directors, Volunteers, and Event Planning Staff, Wellfield is heartbroken to announce that we are cancelling Taste of the Gardens scheduled for August 23. From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wellfield’s priority has been the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and guests. The logistics and sheer numbers of people involved with Taste of the Gardens make the assurance of proper safety protocols unrealistic in the current environment. While disappointing, we know that cancellation is the responsible and clear decision.
We offer our sincerest apologies to the talented artists, restaurant owners, and musicians who have committed to this event. All artists’ fees will be refunded, and we are committed to promoting our local restaurants that have been so greatly impacted by the pandemic, in an alternative and safe manner.
For over a decade, the Elkhart Rotary Club has produced Taste of the Gardens, supporting the event tirelessly through volunteerism and enthusiasm. Additionally, Wellfield has greatly appreciated the financial support of so many local businesses and individuals through event sponsorship of ‘Taste’. We hope you will consider re-directing your support at Wellfield in a way that is meaningful to you or your business, while furthering Wellfield’s mission to celebrate the inseparable relationship between water and life, inspire creativity and lifelong learning, foster stewardship of our natural world, and grow community. We will be reaching out to you with opportunities in the days ahead.
Our goal remains creating a beautiful, enriching, and SAFE experience for everyone at Wellfield. For limited-capacity events such as Groovin’ in the Gardens Summer Concerts and Premier Arts productions including Disney’s Moana Jr and Mamma Mia!, Wellfield’s spacious 36 acres, wide pathways, and stunning landscapes are an ideal environment for social distancing between families and friends. Our ‘Modified Visitation Plan’ emphasizes the health and safety of guests, volunteers, and staff while allowing for enjoyment of the grounds, including Wellfield’s NEWEST themed garden space – – the Japanese-inspired “Island Garden”. For a complete listing of Modified Visitation Plan protocols and visitor information, please visit our website wellfieldgardens.org.
We look forward to seeing you in the Garden soon and we are already excited for planning Taste of the Gardens 2021!
-Eric Garton
Robert and Peggy Weed Executive Director
Wellfield Botanic Gardens
Here’s a short video of a previous Taste of the Gardens, courtesy of Vala Marketing
Taste of the Gardens is the fourth Sunday in August from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Enjoy a gorgeous summer day at Michiana’s most beautiful outdoor location while perusing fine art, listening to live music and enjoying a sampling of the area’s tastiest food and drinks. Wellfield comes alive with art, music, food and FUN at this popular festival, attracting guests from around the region. You’ll love what’s in store!
Tickets at the gate are $10 for adults.
Children 12 and under are free with an adult.
*Please note: as this is a special, ticketed event produced by the Elkhart Rotary Club, Wellfield membership discounts do not apply.
LIVE Entertainment Lineup:
- Main Stage:
- 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- 12:50 – 2:20 p.m.
- 2:40 – 4:10 p.m.
- 4:30 – 6 p.m.
- Forest Stage:
- Schedule to be announced
FOOD: [Coming soon!] 2020 Restaurants and their menus
- Here’s how it works: Local Restaurants will be selling food at their locations around the Promenade. You walk up, choose what you’d like from their menu and purchase directly from the restaurant! Enjoy a socially-distanced Taste of the Gardens at Wellfield Botanic Gardens while supporting local businesses!
ART: [Coming soon!] 2020 participating Artist lineup
2019 Taste of the Gardens Artist Award Winners
- Eric Kaufmann – “Best Expression of the Gardens” Award Winner
- Alli Farkas – “Best Overall” Award Winner
- Sophia Pip – “Best Booth Display” Award Winner
Thanks to our 2020 Art Judges, announced soon:
Looking forward to being a repeat vendor at the 2019 Taste of the Gardens. Please asdvise on application.
Thank Pamela Williamson /
Hi, Pam, we’re finalizing the form; will be similar to last year (also available to signup online) and will get that posted here and sent to you directly.
I am looking for the 2020 art entry application. When will it be available?
in fact it’s already available: full info here https://wellfieldgardens.org/taste-of-the-gardens-artists/
I would like to apply as an art vendor for the 2019 event. When will applications be available?
Hi, Jill – – in fact we’ve just updated the information for artists, it’s available here: https://wellfieldgardens.org/taste-of-the-gardens-artists/ or through the main Taste of the Gardens web page: https://wellfieldgardens.org/taste-of-the-gardens-2019/. Thanks for your inquiry!
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